Niger ACReSAL Reiterates Commitment to Climate Action, Flags-off Distribution of Tractors, Women and Youths Empowerment
In an effort towards addressing the challenges of environmental degradation, Climate Change, unemployment and improved livelihoods, the Niger State Government has flagged-off the distribution of tractors, reclamation of degraded land, drilling of boreholes, women and youth empowerment programme, among other projects of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) in the State.
The event was held at the ACEESAL multipurpose Nursery Plant, Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna recently.
Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago represented by his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, said the programme was a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to Green Economy Initiative, especially, climate action to reclaiming parts of the State from the negative effects of environmental degradation.
The farmer Governor underscored the importance of the project stressing that it will support the State Government effort of tackling desertification and approaches to landscape management which according to him will help in enhancing community resilience and improved livelihoods of the rural populace.
He said the youth and women that will benefit from the empowerment programme will be supported with starter packs for the establishment of plant nurseries at various locations across the state adding that, the Abdulkadir Kure University is to serve as a starting point and then Bida, Kontagora, New Bussa and Suleja will come up in the near future.
He said Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, Kpanduko in Bosso, Baidna in Paikoro, Kaliko in Wushishi, Labozhi ,Mokwa, Agaie, and Bida are to benefit under the first phase.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of ACRESAL, Raji Shehu Adam, who gave an overview of ACRESAL Project in the State, disclosed that the tractors procured was a collaborative effort with the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations where one tractor will be given to each of the 25 Local Government Areas
He explained that only 10 Local Government Areas are benefitting from the first phase of distribution.
The programme is part of the objectives of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL), aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and food insecurity in various communities.
The State Coordinator further disclosed that a portal will be opened for interested youth to register and get starter packs, and eventually, ACReSAL will serve as off-takers of low-hanging fruits from them while the women will be selected from various Women groups across the State.
For the empowerment programmes, 100 youth will be trained on the establishment of plant nurseries, while 100 women will be on seedlings production.
Highlight of the programme was presentation of keynote address by the Commissioner of Enviroment and Climate Change, Hon Yakubu Mohammed Kolo, goodwill messages by the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Salihu Bawa Bosso as well as symbolic presentation of Tractors and planting of trees by Farmer Governor represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba respectively.
